Using II to get DVC

[bwvBound]

If you have set dates, why didn't you go an ongoing search? II, particularly, works on a model where ongoing search requests get first dibs and those matched weeks never even make it into the database for "shoppers" to see. The only times I use shop for exchanges is when my dates are not set and I want the option to see what's available, even knowing I am getting only leftovers. I own strong weeks and every ongoing search I've ever requested has matched.

I couldn't use II's ongoing search because they require, at least for my other timeshare's purposes, flexible criteria: 3 different dates, 3 different resorts or an appropriate combination of dates/resorts. They would not permit me to say, "I want BWV for this specific Saturday check-in."

At one point I tried creating an ongoing search for three different resorts (two impossible trades plus the BWV) for my date -- but was told that my check-in date was really only a "suggestion" and they II could book me into any date Thurs-Sun near my anticipated arrival. Sorry, that was a no-go. For specific searches -- it seems that manual works best??

 

[Dean]

I couldn't use II's ongoing search because they require, at least for my other timeshare's purposes, flexible criteria: 3 different dates, 3 different resorts or an appropriate combination of dates/resorts. They would not permit me to say, "I want BWV for this specific Saturday check-in."

At one point I tried creating an ongoing search for three different resorts (two impossible trades plus the BWV) for my date -- but was told that my check-in date was really only a "suggestion" and they II could book me into any date Thurs-Sun near my anticipated arrival. Sorry, that was a no-go. For specific searches -- it seems that manual works best??

OK, a couple of suggestions. First they do require at least 3 dates or 3 resorts or any combo. And they do have a default of Friday to Sunday but not Thursday to Sunday. It's easy to get around this. First, put impossible trades as the other choices. And for specific check in dates they can amend the search once they've put it in. And you have 24 hours to cancel. If you can't get the answer you want from a VC, just call back and ask another.

 

[Scotch]

To expand on what Dean said re specific check-in date, you CAN request a single check in date if you call and ask for it. I've done that many times, asking, for example, only a single Saturday check-in. The phone counselor can bypass the default; you cannot do this if you initiate an ongoing search yourself online. And I have done what Dean does, put in impossible searches, such as searches for resorts that I know do not get deposited (so no way to exchange) during a certain time frame -- like requesting a Hyatt week with a check-in date beyond a year because no Hyatts are ever deposited into II until the 6 month before check-in mark -- or week 52 2BR at Westin St. John or week 52 at any of the Four Seasons. For DVCs, I have also just requested three DVC resorts, each with one single Saturday check-in date. That satisfies II's "three" criteria.

 

[Scotch]

Scotch,

I deposited (thru II )both an AC and a fall week at Marriott, trying to trade into DVC in December, and had no luck. I deposited in June, and I didn't get ANYTHING. Finally, after a million harassing phone calls, I took another Marriott. My sister has deposited Marriott for 6 years, looking for DVC, and she has never gotten anything other than a studio in exchange for a two bedroom. You must be very lucky, or you have deposited very far in advance. Which one is it?

I exchanged into DVC in December once, and it was pure luck as it was a last minute exchange (so someone cancelled). Decembers are tough. How long did you wait before accepting alternative exchange? I must admit one reason we bought DVC is to guarantee those mid-December (but before Xmas) stays since the weather is sooo far better than what we experience at home, the plane fares are reasonable and I love the Xmas decorations.

What Marriott resort does your sister own and which week has she deposited? I have used a 1BR Marriott Ocean Pointe and have "seen" every DVC sighting posted on TUG, including all 2BR weeks, whenever I managed to search II right after the sighting was posted. I usually deposit a July Ocean Pointe week (as I own in the Gold season and that's the best time for that season) after locking off. I have also done an ongoing search with the same 1BR Ocean Pointe and matched with a 2BR OKW over Memorial Day week -- I put that request in 12 months out and it matched around 10 months out. It may be that your sister is not depositing a high demand week? How long does she wait before giving up?

 

[bwvBound]

Scotch and Dean -

Thank you for the thoughtful tips! Of course, I may miss those few hours of having the house to myself each morning. Oh, maybe NOT!

 

[Dean]

To expand on what Dean said re specific check-in date, you CAN request a single check in date if you call and ask for it. I've done that many times, asking, for example, only a single Saturday check-in. The phone counselor can bypass the default; you cannot do this if you initiate an ongoing search yourself online. And I have done what Dean does, put in impossible searches, such as searches for resorts that I know do not get deposited (so no way to exchange) during a certain time frame -- like requesting a Hyatt week with a check-in date beyond a year because no Hyatts are ever deposited into II until the 6 month before check-in mark -- or week 52 2BR at Westin St. John or week 52 at any of the Four Seasons. For DVCs, I have also just requested three DVC resorts, each with one single Saturday check-in date. That satisfies II's "three" criteria.

I'm told you can even do it online though I haven't done so. Apparently you put in the request then go back in and edit it.

 

[pumpkinboy]

The online ongoing search is all I have ever done. I simply plugged in my parameters, and waited for a match.

 

[Dean]

The online ongoing search is all I have ever done. I simply plugged in my parameters, and waited for a match.

My point was that I've been told by a couple of people you could put in an online search then modify it to only specific check in days. I'm not totally sure about it though.

 

[cymomtx]

We used II to stay at OKW, we put our request in a least 8 months prior and all we could get confirmed due to availability was a lock-off room. As we had other II weeks to use we got two units off property to sleep in. Having the lock-off gave us on property benefits (i.e. parking, package delivery, rest area) and our other units were just 5 minutes away.

 

[Scotch]

A December 1BR OKW just got "sighted" on the TUG Sightings forum.